Novel Ag 2 O nanoparticles modified MoS 2 nanoflowers for piezoelectric-assisted full solar spectrum photocatalysis

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2019-03, Vol.537, p.206
• Main Authors: Li, Yujie, Wang, Qingqing, Wang, Huanxi, Tian, Jian, Cui, Hongzhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.11.013

The separation of photoinduced electrons and holes can enhance the photocatalytic properties of photocatalysts. A piezoelectric field is created inside piezoelectric materials, such as ZnO and MoS , by applying strain. The electrons and holes become separated under the driving force of the piezoelectric field. Here, we propose combining piezoelectric MoS nanoflowers (NFs) and full solar response Ag O nanoparticles (NPs) to form a MoS @Ag O heterostructure and achieve high efficiency full solar (UV, visible, and near-infrared) photocatalysis. Under both full solar light and ultrasonic excitation, the MoS @Ag O heterostructures can rapidly degrade methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. A built-in electric field is formed by the spontaneous polarization potential of the MoS NFs during this process, and an ultrasonic wave as a driving force can consecutively change the potential created by the piezoelectric effect. Under light irradiation, electrons and holes are generated in the Ag O NPs, and the photogenerated electrons and holes with opposite signs in the two Ag O NPs at the two surfaces of the MoS NFs, can be separated respectively, along the spontaneous polarized direction. Therefore, the piezoelectric effect-induced enhancement of carrier separation under ultrasonic excitation can improve the full solar photocatalytic performance of the MoS @Ag O heterostructures.